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Jeff Cooper
7 October 1969

BREAKTHROUGH!

Some years ago this magazine published a photograph of a pistol cartridge for which there was no pistol. (insert Issue and page). It was a 308 case out to the length of the 44 Magnum revolver cartridge, sized to 44 caliber, and loaded with a 44 pistol bullet. The idea was that a 44 automatic be an interesting development. Harry W. Sanford, of 248O East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California (91107), never saw that issue, but he now has the gun. Really! It is as yet in prototype form, but if the responseo f the shooting public suggests that it is a commercially viable item, it can be produced for sale in approximately nine months. How about that, sports fans?

Certainly it is about time that we saw some significant progress in handgu' design. The pistols we have work very well, of course, but it seems pretty obvious that modern engineering can improve them. The Sanford project is an impressive attempt to do just that.

The prototype pistol is a large, handsome, solidly constructed, and almost "un-burstable" sidearm. It is a little smaller and two ounces heavier than a Smith & Wesson 6 1/2" M-29. It is extremely powerful, now handloaded with a 240-grain jacketed bullet and 25 grains of 2400. (Factory loading will probably use a somewhat faster powder such an Herco, in order to suit the 6 1/2" barrel.) Its design operating pressure is 45,000 psi, but it is safe at well over 55,000. With chamber walls some 3/16" thick, and an eight-lug, fully-enclosed bolt similar to that of an M-16 rifle, breech pressure is just not much of a problem. (you can use a full case of Bullseye, if that's your fancy)

Now why, when we have a selection of excellent magnum revolvers, should we want a magnum auto? After all, the magnum revolvers are essentially sporting, not combat, arms, and the great advantages of the auto show up beat on combat duty. The answer is very simple: recoil. The action of the Sanford pistol uses a short-recoil turning-bolt system deliberately designed to soak up energy, and it does. It transmits just over half the blow to the shooting hand that a revolver of the same weight does, when loaded, to identical ballistics. In test form, loaded hotter, it still kicks only 2/3 as hard. I found this claim difficult to believe until I fired the piece. The results are clearly demon-strated in the photos. (While I do not advocate shooting any pistol with one hand only--unless you have a broken arm--I deliberately used old- fashioned offhand for testing in order to emphasize recoil. Neither pistol would move this much in a correct grip.) In essence, this puts the awesome power of the 44 Magnum within the control capabilities of anyone who can handle a full-house 357!

The pistol was designed by Max Gera, and incorporates all the "modern conveniences." Barrel and sights are in one rigid unit for target accuracy. The trigger linkage is similar in concept to the proven line of Hi Standard target pistols, permitting a very nice adjustment. The sights are fully adjustable and patridge type. The positive, hammer-looking safety is symmetrical and works on either side. Ejection is forward. An accelerator is provided to insure reliable action in sub-zero temperatures. Though the prototype is constructed of a standard chrome-moly alloy, the production model will naturally be made of stainless steel throughout.

With all these features you would expect the pistol to be out of the financial reach of ordinary mortals. The fact is, however, that cost studies indicate a sale price of right around $2OO (boxed with one extra magazine, of course). RWS stands ready to produce factory ammunition, and hand- loaders can make their own from 308 brass.

A double column magazine was not considered, for reasons obvious in a cartridge of this size. There is no magazine disconnector, since this device poses more problems than it solves. And double-action is not contemplated, being, in the opinion of Mr. Sanford, Mr. Gera, and miself, an unsatisfactory feature in an auto pistol.

There is a drawback. The length of the cartridge is such that the trigger is out of reach of a small hand. Those who prefer the long trigger in the 1911 will have no trouble, but those who need the short version will not be able to grip the piece properly.

So there you have it. You like? If so, let us know, so that some sort of sales prediction can be drawn up.

And. there is another matter. If the initial project is successful, this action principle can be applied to whole new series of sidearms. First and easiest would be the production of the same piece in 30/44 and 36/44 for varmiting. Next might be the appearance of a short-case, maznum 46 pistol for smaller hands. This could provide magnum power with 9mm recoil. And third on the list is a small, neat, flat, pocket 9 with no more kick than a 32. These will be forthcoming if the 44 is a success. May we live to see the day!

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